George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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ABCM(AW) Douglas M. Ausderau - Command Master Chief USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Master Chief Douglas M. Ausderau, a native of Niagara Falls, N.Y., enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 1971 and entered recruit training at Naval Training Center Great Lakes in August 1971. After graduating from Aviation Fundamentals and Aviation Fuel Systems “A” school in January 1972, Master Chief Ausderau reported aboard the USS AMERICA (CV 66) in Norfolk, Va. While on board AMERICA, Master Chief Ausderau participated in operations in the Tonkin Gulf during the Vietnam War. In August 1975, Master Chief Ausderau departed AMERICA for duty at NAS Barber’s Point. Hawaii. In October 1978, Master Chief Ausderau reported aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in Norfolk, Va. where he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in September 1979. During that time the ship was diverted to the Indian Ocean in January 1980 and remained at sea for 144 days in response to the Iranian hostage crisis. In April 1980, USS NIMITZ took part in the hostage rescue attempt, “Operation Evening Light, before returning to its homeport in May 1980. Master Chief Ausderau reported to the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk. Va. where he was stationed from January 1982 to February 1984. He then reported to USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) until December 1986. In January 1987, Master Chief Ausderau reported to the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, R.I. as a student where he graduated with academic honors that March. Master Chief Ausderau became a staff member and facilitator at the Senior Enlisted Academy until July 1990. In September 1988, Master Chief Ausderau received an Associate of Science degree from the University of the State of New York. He has since completed his Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and is working toward his B.A. in human resources administration from St. Leo College. Master Chief Ausderau reported aboard Precommissioning Unit GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in August 1990 as the Air Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. In May 1993, he assumed the duties of the ship’s Command Master Chief. Master Chief Ausderau’s awards and decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal for heroism, the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle “E,” Good Conduct Medal (four awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Vietnam Service Medal (three awards). Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sea Sendee Deployment Ribbon (three awards). Expert Rifle Medal and Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon. Master Chief Ausderau is married to the former Colleen Marie Trainor. He and his wife currently reside in Chesapeake, Va., with their two sons, Douglas, Jr. and Jason. 8 Command

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Commander William L. McKee - Executive Officer USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Commander William L. McKee was born in Worthington, Ohio. Graduating with honors, he received a commission from the Naval Academy in June 1975. After flight training, CDR McKee reported to the “Hellrazors” of VA-174 for training in the A-7E Corsair. He joined the “Ubangis” of VA-12 on board USS INDEPENDENCE in April 1977. In 1980, CDR McKee reported to VA-45 at Cecil Field. He was one of the initial cadre of personnel to move with the squadron to NAS Key West. While serving with the “Blackbirds”, he was the First “Attack Pilot” to serve as Adversary Program Manager. In 1983, CDR McKee began participation in the foreign exchange program, flying Harrier GR3 aircraft with the Royal Air Force. After training in the United Kingdom, he served two years with 3 (F) Squadron in Gutcrsloh, West Germany. Following his exchange tour, CDR McKee attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. In July 1986, he joined the “Valions” of VA-15, where he helped the squadron transition to the F A-18 Hornet. CDR McKee served as Operations and Maintenance Officer of the Valions. In December 1988, CDR McKee reported for duty in Washington D.C., where he served as an aide to Secretary William Ball III, Director of Operations in the Office of Legislative Affairs, and on the personal staff of Sen. John Glenn under the Legis Fellows Program. After Refresher Training, CDR McKee reported to the “Sunliners” of VFA-81 as Executive Officer, and in August 1990, deployed aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Shield, subsequently flying combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. He assumed command of VFA-81 in September 1991, leading the “Sunliners” through another successful Mediterranean deployment which commenced in June 1992. He relinquished command in November 1992 and began nuclear power training in Orlando, Florida. He reported aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) as Executive Officer in June 1994. CDR McKee has amassed more than 5,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross (with Combat “V”), Meritorious Service Medal (with Gold Star), seven individual and two strike flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal (with two Gold Stars and Combat “V”), Navy Achievement Medal and various campaign and unit awards. CDR McKee and his wife, B.J., reside in Virginia Beach with their three daughters, Heather, 14. Kaylcigh, 9, and Meredith, 4. Command 7

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GW departed Norfolk on maiden deployment May 20, 1994 will forever live in the memories of USS George Washington Sailors as the day they took their ship to sea for its first deployment. For thousands of crewmembers, it marked their first deployment as well. For the spouses, families and friends who gave unending support to their Sailors, the day was exciting, but proved for a tearful sendoff as their loved ones departed on a collision course with history. “We all feel very fortunate to be taking the world’s newest and most powerful aircraft carrier on its first forward deployment.” • CAPT Robert G. Sprigg “We all feel very fortunate to be taking the world’s newest and most powerful aircraft carrier on its first forward deployment,” Commanding Officer, CAPT Sprigg, said. George Washington began her deployment by serving as the centerpiece for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France, an international event honoring those who fought so gallantly in the military operation that turned the tide against the Nazi war machine during World War II. “It’s fitting for our ship to have been the flagship for the commemoration of the greatest “...From-the-Sea” operation in history,” Sprigg said. “It’s also appropriate for our new ship to have commemorated the past as we continue to usher in the Navy’s future.” Prior to getting underway, George Washington was visited by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Boorda. Addressing the crew over the 1MC, Boorda spoke of the honor it was for George Washington to partici- pate in the commemoration of D-Day. The first aircraft carrier to deploy on his watch, Boorda said he’ll not soon forget the day America’s newest carrier put to sea on her maiden deployment. “There’s a new world disorder out there and we have to deal with it,” Boorda told the crew, summarizing the overall influence a ship of George Washington’s size and technological superiority would have on their deployment. As families, friends and loved ones lined Norfolk Naval Base’s pier 12, the crew cast off all lines, the ship's whistle blew, and the great ship George Washington was underway. Getting underway 9